Paris Cabarets & French Cancan: a legendary night out in Paris
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- The Best Paris Cabarets
This centuries-old Parisian tradition dates back to the late 19th century, when the city was transformed under Baron Haussmann. At that time, Parisian cabarets emerged as the new temples of Paris nightlife, blending café‑concerts, dance halls and theatres. At the very heart of the celebration, Montmartre drew artists and high society alike, from Aristide Bruant and Toulouse-Lautrec to Verlaine and Van Gogh. In 1889, the Moulin Rouge revolutionised Paris evenings with spectacular revues and its legendary French cancan, soon joined by the Crazy Horse, Paradis Latin and Madame Arthur. Today, these iconic Paris cabarets continue to stage emblematic shows, combining French gastronomy, artistic excellence and timeless elegance for an unforgettable nightlife experience in Paris.
Féerie at the Moulin Rouge: Dinner Show and French Cancan
The Moulin Rouge, created by Joseph Oller in Pigalle in 1889, is still a star of the Paris cabaret circuit. It was here that Parisians gathered to wildly applaud La Goulue, the establishment’s most celebrated cancan dancer. Today, over one hundred years later, the ritual each evening is the same: as soon as the opening of Offenbach’s famous music sounds out, dancers in tricolour skirts burst onto the stage and throw themselves into the frenetic French cancan that brought the cabaret its fame.
Immortalised by Baz Luhrmann in his 2001 film “ Moulin Rouge; the cabaret and its current review “Féerie” Show remain an emblem of Montmartre. And its devilish rhythms and sumptuous dinners still have the power to plunge you back to the era of Belle Époque Paris.
L’Oiseau Paradis at Paradis Latin: an unforgettable Show
The stunning décor of the Paradis Latin, located a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame Cathedral, is almost as dazzling as what’s on stage. Today, this magnificent theatre, designed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, stages a flamboyant, exciting show that combines breathtaking circus acts, modern ballet and the French Cancan.
The new revue, directed and choreographed by Kamel Ouali, is the ideal show for a festive evening with a gala dinner. “L’Oiseau Paradis” is a dynamic, poetic and sensual performance in which the breathtaking artists melt into the middle of fifteen exceptional sets. A great show for a memorable evening!
Totally Crazy at the Crazy Horse: Glamour and Bold Parisian Cabaret
At the Crazy Horse, opened in 1951 off the Champs-Élysées by Alain Bernardin, red is the defining motif: colouring the velvet-lined walls, the soles of the Crazy Girls’ iconic Christian Louboutin stilettos, and evoking the erotic elegance of its reviews. The perfect colour to anticipate Santa’s arrival and celebrate the festive season!
The distinctive Crazy Horse touch is the incredible play of light on the dancers’bodies. The cabaret’s most recent review, Totally Crazy, created by Philippe Decouflé, cheekily revisits some of the house’s legendary numbers.
Madame Arthur: Montmartre’s iconic and irreverent Cabaret
Opened in the heart of the Pigalle district in 1947, discover Madame Arthur, the first transvestite cabaret in Paris. To the sound of French music, the artists perform on stage in colourful costumes and a multitude of sequins. You’ll be in for a real treat!
Every weekend, the night goes on with Guigui Pop and then ends with the sound of the DJ’s turntables until the early hours.
La Nouvelle Ève in Montmartre: the elegance of Parisian Cabaret
At the foot of Montmartre hill, La Nouvelle Ève has embodied the elegance of Parisian cabaret since 1898. One of the oldest cabarets in Paris, this legendary Belle Époque venue invites audiences to immerse themselves in the festive world of the French cancan and glamorous revues. Sparkling costumes, an intimate atmosphere and true Parisian flair make it a must-see nightlife experience and a perfect way to enjoy a truly Parisian show.
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- Copyright image: © La Nouvelle Eve